How Late Does Instacart Deliver In 2024? The Full Guide
Instacart has brought new convenience to millions by delivering groceries and household essentials with just a few taps. But when it‘s late at night and stores are closed, how late can you still get items delivered?
With the rise of Instacart‘s Convenience Hub, customers now have more late night and even 24/7 delivery options through select retailers. But availability remains limited to certain major metro areas so far.
Convenience Hub Expands Late Night Delivery by 53%
Since the Convenience Hub launched in 2021, Instacart has increased the proportion of retailers open past 8pm by 53%. As of January 2023, the Convenience Hub provides:
- 24/7 delivery from 5% of nationwide retailers, including major chains like 7-Eleven, CVS, and Walgreens
- Late night delivery until 10pm-12am from 21% of retailers, including stores like Food Lion, Kroger, and Albertsons
This means more household essentials, over-the-counter medicines, snacks and convenience items can now be delivered later than normal Instacart hours.
But 36 states still have 3 or fewer retailers supporting round-the-clock delivery. Expansion is an ongoing process focused on major metros first.
Where Can You Get 24/7 Delivery Right Now?
As of 2023, Instacart customers located in the following cities are most likely to have 24/7 delivery options through the Convenience Hub:
- New York, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Philadelphia, PA
For example, NYC customers can now get items from Duane Reade, Walgreens and 7-Eleven delivered anytime day or night.
Meanwhile, pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens are driving most 24/7 expansion. 90% of locations now provide same-day delivery, with plans to allow 90% of locations to offer 24/7 delivery by 2025.
Why Retailers Incentivize Expanded Delivery
For retailers like Walgreens and 7-Eleven, offering late night delivery unlocks additional revenue while driving loyalty.
65% of Walgreens‘ online sales now come via Instacart. So expanding delivery availability benefits Walgreens by:
- Increasing sales by 15% on average
- Providing revenue access during late hours
- Meeting customer expectations for convenience
Of course, retailers also face costs in expanding staffing hours and logistical operations. But the benefits often outweigh challenges – when optimized strategically.
Which Retailers Will Expand in 2024?
In 2024, I predict supermarket chains like Safeway, H-E-B and Publix will expand the convenience delivery options they piloted in 2022.
Food and grocery delivery still lags categories like prepared meals when it comes to late night availability. But as regional leaders pilot expanded hours, they may inspire nationwide chains to follow.
Especially as the on-demand economy continues growing, retailers must expand customer convenience to compete. If operational challenges of 24/7 delivery can be managed, late night expansion will soon be an expectation rather than an exception.
Conclusion
Instacart makes getting what you need easier by connecting millions to grocery and convenience stores via app. With the Convenience Hub‘s growth, late night delivery is a reality – albeit one still confined to metropolitan hubs for most.
Yet groceries and 24/7 delivery remain a rare pairing today. As leaders like 7-Eleven and Walgreens expand pilot programs in top cities, availability is expected to reach more consumers in 2024.
So while you may not be able to get milk delivered at midnight yet unless you live in NYC, round-the-clock convenience is coming soon to an Instacart near you!
